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John Givens Obituary

J. Dale Givens, age 74, a native of Alexandria, Louisiana and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Dale was born on November 18, 1942 to Ruth Harrell Givens and Ed Dale Givens. He graduated with a B.S. in Zoology in 1966 from Louisiana State University. Dale worked for the State of Louisiana for 36 years, starting with Wildlife and Fisheries, followed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality. He retired in 2002 as the Secretary of DEQ. Dale served honorably in the Quartermaster Corps with the Louisiana National Guard. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts with his sons and served on the Executive Board of the Istrouma Area Council, BSA, and also served on the board of La Capitol Federal Credit Union. Dale was active with the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Baton Rouge and other civic and governmental organizations. Dale is survived by his wife of 46 years, Virginia Ponthieu Givens; his children, Patrick Dale Givens and his wife Jessica of St. Louis, MO, and Matthew David Givens of Houston, TX. His brothers Randy Givens and wife Vicky, of Paige, Tx, and Dan Givens and wife Sandy of Ball, LA. Grandchildren, Christopher Dale, Parker David, and Wesley Doyle of St. Louis, MO and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed Dale & Ruth Givens; and his brother William David Givens. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 6 pm – 9 pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, La. 70815. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 9 am until the funeral service begins at 10 am. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Istrouma Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America or the Hospice of Baton Rouge.

Published by The Advocate from Sep. 11 to Sep. 13, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Givens

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John was my neighbor in the South Stadium dormitory at LSU in the mid-sixties for several semesters. We enjoyed many hours of talking late at night. I am very sorry to know that he is no longer with us.

Butler Stringfield

November 14, 2017

Dale is one of the most dedicated DEQ Secretaries with whom I worked. He sincerely represented Louisiana and tried earnestly to protect our environment too.

Carlton

Carlton Dufrechou

September 19, 2017

I worked with John Dale's mom many years ago at the state Welfare Department in Alexandria. Ruth was a wonderful, caring person, so I am not surprised that John Dale is regarded as such. John Dale was into photography when my husband & I married, so he took our wedding pictures which we still cherish to this day. Blessings & prayers to the entire Givens family!

Mona Roy
Alexandria, LA

Mona Roy

September 16, 2017

A really fine man. I was so glad to serve with Dale on Gov. Mike Foster's Cabinet during our years. Dale was always very helpful. His assistance was so critical in helping with approval for the purchase of the property that is now the great State Police training area. Dale was a positive influence on so many of us over the years. I am grateful for the times we shared. I pray for his family during time of loss.

W. R. "Rut" Whittington, Col. La State Police, Retired

William Whittington

September 15, 2017

John Dale was one of my younger cousins, and I remember when he was born. I had no idea he was ill, and learning of his death is a shock. He was a good man, an asset to his community/state, and a good son, brother, husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. His death leaves a huge hole in our family, but we will be sustained by loving memories of him. Our prayers and love go out for the rest of the family and for the repose of his soul.

Gerry Love and Bob Mangney

September 14, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Virginia at the Department of Revenue and Taxation in the 80's. Then, many years later, I had the honor of working with Dale at the Department of Environmental Quality. He was certainly one of the most fair, humble and upstanding men in our midst.
May God bless and comfort all those who knew and love him.

Sincerely,

Lea Anne Schroeder

September 12, 2017

For many years Dale and I worked together on the IAC Boy Scout board, particularly on environmental quality issues at Camp Avondale. Exceedingly knowledgeable and endlessly kind, he was a treasure to know. He will be deeply missed for so very many reasons.

Roy Blackwood

September 12, 2017

Dale will be missed by everyone. He was always fair and always protective of his employees. He was special to me (Marian), because he had actually done my job and understood everything I did. He had a rare talent for getting adversaries to work together for the common good. It was an honor and a privilege to work with and for him.

Marian Aguillard

September 12, 2017

Dale will be missed by everyone. He was always fair and always protective of his employees. He was special to me (Marian), because he had actually done my job and understood everything I did. He had a rare talent for getting adversaries to work together for the common good. It was an honor and a privilege to work with and for him.

Steve and Marian Aguillard

September 12, 2017

Mr. Dale sat on my son's Eagle Scout Board of Review. I was humbled by his kind words, to me, on that day. Mr. Dale has "GONE HOME."

Norman Bacon

September 12, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Dale from 1975 until he retired. Dale had a passion for protecting the environment. If there were a fish kill he'd talk about "my" fish being dead and the responsible party must be found. Myron Knudson, retired EPA.

Myron Knudson

September 12, 2017

Givens Family,

Mr. Dale was an incredibly kind man. I had the privilege to get to get to work with Mr. Dale for many years while serving on the Board at La Cap. I will sure miss his sweet smile and big hugs. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karla Feigley

September 12, 2017

Ms Ginger & sons:
I was hired at DEQ when Dale was Secretary. He was a great leader and an awesome man. He signed off on my younger son's Eagle project. After he retired, I saw him several times after 7:30am mass at SJV, at a few BR HHMD events, and even once at Camp Avondale. I loved his plaid shirts! He will be greatly missed.

Judy Schuerman

September 12, 2017

A good friend and outstanding public servant. Dale will be deeply missed by all.

Kai Midboe

September 12, 2017

Met Dale at the YMCA. Always a pleasure being with him. RIP.

Mike & Sandy Lukacin

September 12, 2017

May God comfort and keep your family in peace in your time of bereavement.

Sonya Eastern

September 12, 2017

May God be with you and guide you as you grieve your loss.
Deepest Sympathy,
Bob and Ronda Fowler CTUMC

Ronda Fowler

September 11, 2017

A great man and a sure loss to all that knew him

skip Riche

September 11, 2017

I'm sorry for the loss of this great friend and one of the best men I have ever known. Prayers for his family during this time of suffering. Heaven certainly gained a great man...

Jamie Taylor

September 11, 2017

Rest in peace Scout! See you at the the great campfire of our maker.

Wayne Schuver Jr

September 11, 2017

You will surely be missed. RIP Dale.

Claude McMorris

September 11, 2017

Sad to hear. Thank you Dale for your service to the State!

Brett LeBlanc

September 11, 2017

To Matthew and the rest of the Givens, may God send His peace and comfort you and your family. Matthew, I was your dinner sponsor at your Eagle Scout ceremony. I also walked you on the course at Georgia-Pacific.

Dorian Heroman, PE

September 11, 2017

Prayers and condolences to the family! Thanks for the leadership and mentorship!

Chuck Berger

September 11, 2017

Our prayers and condolences to the family. Thank you Dale for your years of service to our state and community.

Harold Leggett

September 11, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Sep

12

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Greenoaks Funeral Home

9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Sep

13

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Greenoaks Funeral Home

9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Sep

13

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Greenoaks Funeral Home

9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Sep

13

Burial

Greenoaks Memorial Park

LA

Funeral services provided by:

Greenoaks Funeral Home

9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

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